Two Thalidomide Disasters

The second one hurt many more people than the first one.

Another myth is that, at least in the thalidomide era, the FDA usually uncovered problems with new drugs before they became obvious. The truth is the FDA learned about the problems with thalidomide at the same time as the public. It was only after the tragedy was exposed in Germany and Australia that the FDA became aware of the issue, obviating an FDA r…